Leading QCs demand end to impunity for Boko Haram's genocidal act of terror

14 April 2015

A year on from the abduction of nearly 300 Chibok schoolgirls, a
group of leading barristers, including human rights experts and
Chairman of the Bar Alistair MacDonald QC, has called for action to
end the impunity afforded to Boko Haram and their act of
genocide.

The letter, published in The Times, was signed by leading QCs
including Bar association and committee chairs, as well as by
Amanda Pinto QC, Chairman of the International Committee and
broadcaster Jon Snow.

Demanding tougher action against Boko Haram, the legal experts
pointed out that the forcible transfer of people "is one of five
acts explicitly constituting genocide under the Genocide Convention
1948 and the Rome Statute 1998."

They said:

"Despite the compelling evidence, we are apparently no nearer to
rescuing the captive girls, nor to bringing the perpetrators of
these crimes to justice.

"We ask that steps be taken to end the impunity for Boko Haram's
abductions based on gender and religious belief.

"The World must continue to send a strong and united message
that such crimes will not be tolerated and that international law
will be implemented. We urge that justice be provided for the
abducted girls of Nigeria."